"For the last few years the voice shouting against the tragedy of #suicide belonged to Pieta House. Now this voice belongs to the Irish people and this shout has turned into a bellow, we will win this war because of you,” she said.

Pieta House, which has ten centres in Ireland, is set to open its first overseas centre in Queens, New York this summer as it begins to reach out to members of the Irish diaspora who may be in need of support.

In celebration of the theme ‘connecting’ for this year’s Darkness into Light walk, Dublin Bus provided a free shuttle service connecting Heuston Station to the flagship walk in Phoenix Park.

Elsewhere around Ireland, local businesses showed their support to the thousands of others taking part in local events by opening early and providing walkers with free tea, coffee, and water.

Pieta House, which has ten centres in Ireland, is set to open its first overseas centre in Queens, New York this summer as it begins to reach out to members of the Irish diaspora who may be in need of support.